The government has proposed that the University’s old medical school building in Pietà be used to house the new primary school planned by St Augustine’s College.

The proposal was made during a meeting that college officials had at the Office of the Prime Minister.

College rector Fr Alan Scerri said the viability of the idea was being considered but much depended on the alteration costs involved.

This offer can present a way out of the situation which developed when the planning authority refused to grant the college a permit to build its primary school on a plot adjacent to the existing building.

The college needs to reintroduce a primary school, adding another 350 pupils, in line with the national education reform which emphasises a smooth transition between primary and secondary schooling.

The old medical school building is located just behind the college on the grounds of St Luke’s Hospital.

Most of its functions have been transferred to Mater Dei Hospital’s administration block.

Last month some 600 teachers, students and parents called on the Office of the Prime Minister to intervene in the issue and an appeal was also filed against the Malta Environment and Planning Authority’s decision.

Neighbours of the college are insisting, however, that the college should be treated like any other applicant and if no development is allowed on the site chosen by the college, no permit should be issued.